Aims:
The aim of the project is to use an experimental model to determine whether taeniid eggs can be transferred to humans through berries, i.e. whether Finnish wild berries can cause the risk of echinococcosis to humans, if Echinococcus multilocularis were to spread in this country.
- To develop a real-time quantitative PCR-based method for examining berries and vegetables for echinococci and taeniid eggs.
- To create a test model for studying the transmission of echinococcosis by using eggs of non-zoonotic Taeniidae.
- To study, in experimental conditions, whether berries have the potential to serve as a vehicle for echinococcosis.
- To study whether bilberries and lingonberries differ in terms of serving as a vehicle for taeniid eggs.
- To investigate the suitability of the method for testing batches of berries.
Keywords:
Taeniidae, Taenia, Echinococcus, wild berry, bilberry, lingonberry, infection in humans
Responsible project leader:
Antti Oksanen, Research Professor, Finnish Food Authority
Person at Finnish Food Authority responsible for the project:
Antti Oksanen, Research Professor
In cooperation with:
Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Production Animal and Wildlife Health Research Unit;
Project Management and coordination;
Laboratory and field work
University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: project planning and coordination of laboratory work, laboratory and field work for the most part, a researcher hired for the project (18 months);
University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine: participation in the planning and implementation of the project;
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
Participation in planning and interpretation of results;
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Saskatoon Laboratory - Centre for Food-Borne and Animal Parasitology: participation in the development of the research method as an expert, assisting in project planning and interpretation of results
Project status:
In progress
Year of commencement:
2015
Year of completion:
2019
Publications:
Malkamäki Sanna, Näreaho Anu, Oksanen Antti, Sukura Antti Berries have potential to serve as a vehicle for taeniid eggs. Manuscript
Project financed by:
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry;
Finnish Food Authority;
University of Helsinki, Finland;
Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)